Is Rosebank College Funded by NSFAS

When planning to study at Rosebank College, one of the most pressing questions for many prospective students is: Does NSFAS—South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme—provide funding for a private institution like Rosebank? The short answer is no, and in this post we’ll explain why, clarify NSFAS policy, and explore alternative funding options for those aiming to study at Rosebank.

Understanding NSFAS and Its Eligibility Criteria

NSFAS is a government-backed bursary and loan scheme administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

 Since its establishment in 1996 (and statutory body status in 1999), its mandate has been to provide financial support to disadvantaged South African students pursuing undergraduate studies at public higher education institutions— including public universities and public TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges.

NSFAS funding covers tuition fees (to a capped amount), accommodation, meals, and learning materials for full-time students. Applicants must pass a means test (household income below thresholds) and be South African citizens or permanent residents.

Since the scheme is exclusively tied to public institution funding, NSFAS does not support private colleges that lack government-subsidised fee structures.

Rosebank College: A Private Institution

Rosebank College operates under the Independent Institute of Education (IIE)—a private tertiary education provider. Although it delivers a range of diplomas, degrees, and higher certificates and holds British Accreditation Council recognition, it is not considered a public institution.

Numerous reputable bursary and education portals confirm this: NSFAS funding is not available for Rosebank College students because the institution is private.

Key reason: NSFAS is legislated to support public universities and TVET colleges only—not private colleges with fee structures set outside government subsidies.

Why NSFAS Doesn’t Fund Private Colleges Like Rosebank

Several core reasons explain the disconnect:

Public vs. Private Classification
Funding agreements exist only with government-funded public institutions. As a private entity, Rosebank is outside this structure.

Fee-Structure Mismatch
Private colleges often charge significantly higher tuition than public institutions, making their costs unsustainable under NSFAS funding caps.

Legislative Constraints
NSFAS operates within frameworks established by the Higher Education Act and related statutes, which explicitly link funding to public institutions.

As a result, no NSFAS funding can be applied toward studies at Rosebank College.

Alternative Funding Options for Rosebank Students

Despite the NSFAS gap, Rosebank offers—and students can access—a variety of funding routes:

1. Institutional Bursaries & Scholarships

Rosebank provides its own merit or need based bursaries to top-performing or financially disadvantaged students. These are limited in number but can be substantial.

2. Student Loans

Banks like ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec offer study-loan products that help finance tuition and sometimes living expenses. These come with interest and repayment terms, unlike NSFAS grants 

3. Fundi Educational Loans

Fundi, a government-approved student loan provider, partners with private institutions (including Rosebank) to offer tailored loans. These are repayable post-graduation and may offer flexible schedules 

4. External Bursaries and SETA Funding

Industry bodies, charities, NGOs, and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) sometimes offer bursaries aligned with specific fields of study—following coursework or skills in demand

5. Payment Plans & Work‑Study Options

Rosebank often provides fee instalment options, letting students spread costs. Some campuses also offer part-time work opportunities to help reduce overall costs

Steps to Secure Alternative Funding

If you're considering Rosebank, here’s a guide to navigating financing:

Start with the Financial Aid Office

Contact Rosebank’s financial-aid team to inquire about bursaries, rising costs, and whether any campus-specific grants are available.

Investigate External Loans and Bursaries

Research student loan terms across major South African banks and institutions like Fundi. Ensure you understand repayment rates, interest, and any early-payment penalties.

Look for bursaries via registered channels—Industry directories, SETAs, or sites like Bursariesportal and Bursaries Africa typically list eligible funding for private college students

Compare Total Cost of Study

Calculate tuition, materials, accommodation, and living costs. Compare those outlays with your funding options to decide on sustainable financing.

Plan for Repayment

Loans come with financial commitments. Have a realistic repayment plan post-graduation—especially important for those borrowing to cover tuition.

Should Government Expand NSFAS to Private Colleges?

There’s been growing debate in education circles about whether NSFAS should be extended—or a new framework created—for private colleges. Advocates say it would broaden access; critics point to high fee structures and sustainability concerns.

Currently, though, no policy proposal exists to widen NSFAS to include private institutions. Students should prepare for this status to remain in place.

Final Takeaways

NSFAS funding is not available for Rosebank College, as it exclusively supports public higher education institutions.

Rosebank, as a private institution, is outside that funding structure, so students must look at internal bursaries, private loans, bursaries/scholarships, or instalment plans .

Managing your budget, comparing loan terms, and planning repayment is essential to managing the financial commitment of pursuing private tertiary education.

Quick FAQ

Closing Thoughts

While it's understandable to hope for NSFAS support, the reality is that Rosebank College is a private institution and not NSFAS‑funded. However, with a smart strategy and thorough financial planning—combining institutional bursaries, loan options, and payment plans—you can still make studying there achievable.

Make use of Rosebank’s financial-aid office, investigate external sources early, and stay disciplined about budgeting and repayment. Taking these steps will help ensure your journey through private tertiary education leads to strong academic outcomes and lasting career success.

Want to Learn More?

• Review Rosebank College’s official bursaries and financial aid info.
• Visit BursariesPortal and Bursaries Africa to find external funding.
• Speak with Fundi, banks, and relevant SETAs for loans and industry bursaries.